Sage Travelers

Packing for trips always challenges me. What to pack? How to pack it? What am I forgetting? You would think that by now I'd be a pro, but truth be told, this old dog is still learning some new tricks. And now that most airlines are charging a fee for a second bag, and some even for the first, avoiding added fees are an incentive to pack light. Plus, it's no fun schlepping a bunch of suitcases through a busy airport.

The days of folding clothes in my suitcase are over... now I prefer to bundle wrap whenever I can, utilizing tips learned from some very sage travelers out there. I hate to do laundry or iron while on the road, so I buy clothes that require very little care. Fabrics that shed wrinkles and stains are a good choice. Also important: I mix and match tops and pants or skirts in creative ways that look as if I have lots of outfits. I stay away from anything too "memorable" but will use accessories such as a scarves for a new look. Shoes have to be comfortable and versatile enough for walking and it's a bonus if they pass for semi-dressy. Or I may take a dressy pair of pumps depending on the destination.

What about travel gadgets? Well, let's see... I'll take my inflatable travel pillow for the long flight, head phones, iPhone, small digital camera and Flip cam, pedometer, small but powerful flashlight, LED night light, and a travel alarm clock. Alexander will pack his Swiss Army knife in the check-through bag... it has a lot of handy tools, but the only one I will likely use is the cork screw. Some people might think we're crazy, but we always take a laptop. Alexander likes to keep up with downloading/editing his photos and I like to keep up with my email. On this upcoming trip, I'll be taking my netbook because it takes up very little room in my carry-on bag. I will also take about 10 books or so... but I cheat. They are stashed in my Kindle, along with backup pdfs of our travel documents.

What I won't be packing: hair dryer... the hotel or ship will either have one or I'll do without. I'll take a few velcro rollers, lightweight and good for quick hair fixes. Another unnecessary item: travel iron. First of all, irons are strictly prohibited on cruise ships and I avoid packing clothes that tend to wrinkle anyway. Years ago, I remember wearing a linen suit on a trip to Europe. Although I "only" spent 12 hours in these clothes, I looked as if I had spent 12 days in them! What was I thinking? The other mistake I made was packing too many clothes, some I never even wore... I just tended to wear my favorites. So, I will pack only what I know I'll wear.

Our agreement is that we each must carry our own bag. So to help me get organized, I use a list created on my computer and I modify it according to the trip. If it's not on the list, it doesn't get packed. I also research the weather to avoid taking jackets or bulky sweaters I won't use. Well, I'd better get back to packing 'cause we leave tomorrow.

~ Lisa